'When you teach, it changes your life.' New Bedford native's heart is in the classroom

Tuesday

Apr 20, 2010 at 12:01 AMApr 20, 2010 at 2:20 PM

Growing up on SouthCoast, Joseph Almeida always knew in his heart of hearts that he was destined to be a teacher.

SARAH GONET

NEW BEDFORD — Growing up on SouthCoast, Joseph Almeida always knew in his heart of hearts that he was destined to be a teacher.

"In the summer, I would gather all of the kids in the neighborhood together so we could play school," mused Almeida, who graduated from New Bedford High School in 2001 with highest honors.

"Thinking back on it, I'm not sure how popular that made me."

Regardless of what his friends may have thought, Almeida went on to achieve his dream. After graduating from the prestigious Georgetown University in 2005 with a degree in government and minors in music and African-American studies, he promptly entered the Teach For America program, which places promising college graduates in teaching positions in some of our nation's toughest schools.

Each year, more than 20,000 top college graduates vie for just a few thousand positions.

"For you to grow as a person, I truly believe you have to challenge yourself," said Almeida, who went on to earn his master's degree and is beginning a doctoral program at Walden University.

"Nothing is more challenging or rewarding than getting your students to believe in themselves."

Almeida is among the educators featured in the recently released book, "Teaching As Leadership: The Highly Effective Teacher's Guide to Closing the Achievement Gap." Written by Steven Farr, a longtime Teach For America employee who currently serves as the organizations Chief Knowledge Officer, the book serves as a poignant how-to guide for new teachers in low-income communities.

When Almeida first learned about Teach For America, he knew it was the opportunity he was looking for. The nonprofit organization recruits outstanding recent college graduates from all backgrounds and career interests to commit to teach for two years in urban and rural public schools. They provide the training and ongoing support necessary to ensure their success as teachers in low-income communities.

"Joe was the rare kid who was more excited about learning and exploring difficult questions than in earning a particular grade," recalled Patrick Warfield, Ph.D., an assistant professor of musicology at the University of Maryland.

"When he told me that he was going to enter the Teach For America program, I was not at all surprised. His commitment to education and social justice have been clear since I first met him."

"I knew what it was like to grow up facing struggles," recalled Almeida, adding that his mother was a single parent who managed to obtain her degree while working and raising two sons.

"I saw how tough it was for her, but she did it. She wanted me to do better and I can honestly say that she is the best teacher I've ever had."

"He is one of the most innovative and forward thinking people I've ever met," said Robert Perotti, a television production teacher at New Bedford High School where Almeida hosted a weekly television talk show, "NB Live," during his senior year.

"Joseph's one of those people who's not just going to sit by and accept the status quo," said Nate Everett, a New Bedford High School history teacher. "He puts his feet to the street and that's why teaching is a perfect career for him. Students need to see that you mean what you say."

While Almeida initially envisioned himself as a high school educator, Teach For America placed him as a fifth grade teacher in an elementary school in New York City's Inwood neighborhood, located just above Washington Heights. He spent the next two years developing a true love for his students and his career path.

"I knew that I had to act immediately if I was going to get their attention," said Almeida, remembering his first days in the classroom.

He started by giving his students temporary college acceptance letters.

"It made them realize that attending college was a very real possibility," he said, noting that he spent the rest of the school year raising funds so that he could take his students for a visit to his alma mater.

"It gave them a very real, intimate experience. You could just see it in their eyes."

Almeida also hosted family learning nights, where parents were invited into the classroom to brush up on their academic skills.

"One of the biggest problems was that a lot of the parents had forgotten or never learned how to do the work, so they weren't able to help their kids with their homework," said Almeida, noting that eventually, out of a class of 30 students, at least 15 parents would regularly attend.

He also quickly formed a hip hop club where his students earned dance time for good effort and grades.

"All the little things you do to motivate them make a real difference."

When his years of service with Teach for America were up in 2007, Almeida had already decided that there was no way he could abandon the field of education. He currently teaches sixth grade mathematics at the KIPP Infinity Charter School in New York City.

"To me, there is absolutely nothing more rewarding in this world than the opportunity to work with young minds," said Almeida. "When you teach, it changes your life. It's not something you can turn off at the end of the day."